The Bolts
Transcript: Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Steve Yzerman discusses the 2017 NHL entry draft and filling the void on defense. He may turn to the pipeline. “Well, we lost a veteran in Jason [Garrison], obviously. Mikhail Sergachev, Slater Koekkoek will get an opportunity to go in that role… Are they ready to go this year? We’ll find out in training camp.” [Raw Charge]
Or maybe Yzerman will go with an experienced (expensive) free agent. “Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he planned to explore free agency for potential needs, which include bolstering his blueline and adding another wing or two. And it sounds like Tampa Bay is kicking the tires on the biggest fish in the free agent market, veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.” [Tampa Bay Times]
Our sled hockey coaches took home the championship at the #spacecoast friend’s and family fundraiser! 💪🏼🏒 pic.twitter.com/EmyBCD8GEK
— LightningMadeHockey (@LightningMade) June 25, 2017
2016-17 Season Breakdown: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. St. Louis Blues. “This series once again highlighted the difficulty the team had with its goaltending this past season (or yeah, the defense in front of the goaltending, or the defensive responsibility of the forwards in front of… you get the picture).” [Raw Charge]
The Prospects
Want to see all the new kids who were just drafted? Or maybe some of your other favorite prospects who are pushing to make the team next year? You’re in luck! Development camp starts in Brandon this week. Here’s the full schedule and details. [Raw Charge]
Development camp will feature a Syracuse Crunch veteran as a guest coach. Joey Mormina will be helping the prospects in Brandon.
News: @jmormina82 to coach @TBLightning Dev. Camp. https://t.co/LIdoHRJD42
— Mercyhurst Hockey (@HurstMensHockey) June 25, 2017
As is tradition, a few players who were not drafted by the Lightning but could possibly join the team in the future were also invited to participate. This invitation allows the Lightning to get a better look at their skills to see if they would be a good fit.
Prospect camp FA invitees:
F Bobby Dow (Mercyhurst 18-19)
F Kevin Hancock (OS, OHL)
F Cole Smith (NoDak)
G Joseph Raaymakers (SSM, OHL)— Bolt Prospects (@BoltProspects) June 25, 2017
The Game
NSFW: Burns, Thornton to appear in ESPN Body Issue. “In the ninth annual edition of ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue, Brent Burns and Joe Thornton are among the 23 athletes to be featured. This shouldn’t be an issue for Jumbo, who is frequently missing his shirt during post-game interviews. According to his cousin Scott Thornton, they had to get bathrobes in San Jose because of Jumbo being naked so often.” NSFW. We warned you! [Fear the Fin]
2017 Hockey Hall of Fame class to be named Monday; Selanne + who? “The 2017 Hockey Hall of Fame class is expected to be announced on Monday, and every indication is that Teemu Selanne will be on the list. Beyond that, well, there are a lot of question marks.” — Probably not Andreychuk though. 🙁 [NBC Sports via Yahoo]
